Absorbent article with central hinge

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a disposable absorbent article, and particularly a sanitary napkin, having a flexure-resistant deformation element, the deformation element having a body facing surface which has a convex upward configuration when the sanitary napkin is worn. Primarily without relying on lateral compressive forces of the wearer&#39;s labia, the deformation element of the present invention relies on the lateral compressive forces of the wearer&#39;s thighs in order to form or maintain a convex upward configuration when the sanitary napkin is worn. In a preferred embodiment, the deformation element has a flexure means, and particularly a longitudinally extending flexure hinge, for inducing the body facing surface of the deformation element to have a convex upward configuration when the sanitary napkin is worn. In an alternatively preferred embodiment, the deformation element has a central region having a &#34;W&#34; shaped cross-section wherein the body facing surface of the deformation element having the convex upward configuration is located in the central region, generally symmetrically between the longitudinal side edges of the napkin. In another alternatively preferred embodiment, the deformation element has a cup-shaped front region and a back region having a convex upward configured body facing surface. The deformation element may be a moldable substance such as a foam, it may be reformable and/or it may be resillient.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/175,817, filed on Mar.31, 1988, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles and moreparticularly to female sanitary napkins. Particularly, the presentinvention concerns sanitary napkins offering enhanced fit and comfortthrough a construction which promotes a continuously self-conforminganatomical cooperation of the sanitary napkin to the wearer to yield ahighly effective absorbent device.

2. Background Art

All manner and variety of absorbent articles configured for theabsorption of body fluids such as menses, urine and feces are, ofcourse, well known. With respect to feminine protection devices, the arthas offered two basic types; sanitary napkins have been developed forexternal wear about the pudendal region while tampons have beendeveloped for internal wear within the vaginal cavity for interruptionof menstrual flow therefrom. Such tampon devices are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,412,833, entitled "Tampon Applicator", which patent issued toWiegner et al. on Nov. 1, 1983, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,986, entitled"Tampon Assembly With Means For Sterile Insertion", which patent issuedto Jacobs on Nov. 8, 1983.

Hybrid devices which attempt to merge the structural features of thesanitary napkins and the tampons into a single device have also beenproposed. Such hybrid devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,092,346,entitled "Catamenial Pad", which patent issued to Arone on Sep. 7, 1937,and U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,372, entitled "Feminine Hygiene ProtectiveShield", which patent issued to Denkinger on Sep. 16, 1975. Other lessintrusive hybrid devices are known as labial or interlabial sanitarynapkins and are characterized by having a portion which at leastpartially resides within the wearer's vestibule and a portion which atleast partially resides external of the wearer's vestibule. Such devicesare disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,662,527, entitled "Sanitary Pad", whichpatent issued to Jacks on Dec. 15, 1953, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,062,entitled "Labial Sanitary Pad", which patent issued to Lassen et al. onDec. 23, 1986.

With respect to sanitary napkins, at least three general classes ofdesign exist. One such design includes those sanitary napkins which aregenerally cupped or boat-shaped and which are intended to catch mensesas it runs or drips from the vaginal orifice. These sanitary napkinsgenerally bow downwards, when worn, thus forming a cup-shape. Sanitarynapkins of this class are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,570,493, entitled"Sanitary Towel", which patent issued to Olson on Mar. 16, 1971, andU.S. Pat. No. 4,655,759, entitled "Reduced Leakage Menstrual Pad WithBuilt-In Fold Lines", which patent issued to Romans-Hess et al. on Apr.7, 1987. A disposable urinary incontinence device which functions underthe same principal is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,914, entitled"Disposable Urinary Pad", which patent issued to Holtman on Aug. 11,1987.

A second class of sanitary napkin designs include those that are raisedupwardly or humped in their medial portions so as to be near or incontact with the pudendal region when worn. These sanitary napkinsattempt to contact and absorb menses immediately as it leaves thevestibule. Sanitary napkins of this class are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.2,064,431, entitled "Catamenial Bandage", which patent issued toJurgensen on Dec. 15, 1936, U.S. Pat. No. 2,747,575, entitled"Catamenial Bandages", which patent issued to Mercer on May 29, 1956,U.S. Pat. No. 3,575,174, entitled "Sanitary Napkin", which patent issuedto Mogor on Apr. 20, 1971, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,177, entitled"Three-Dimensional Shaped Feminine Pad With Narrow, Absorbent Center andWinged Edges", which patent issued to Ellis et al. on Oct. 20, 1987.

The third class of sanitary napkin designs include those that are notpredisposed to have a trough or a hump shape when worn, but instead havea more or less rope-like shape when worn. Such sanitary napkinstypically have a fluff pulp absorbent core surrounded by flexible outerwraps and when the sanitary napkin is subjected to compressive forcesfrom the wearer's thighs the fluff pulp core simply compacts or bunchesinto an arbitrary, but generally rope-like shape. Sanitary napkins ofthis class are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,294,091, entitled "SanitaryNapkin", which patent issued to Morse on Dec. 27, 1966, U.S. Pat. No.4,654,040, entitled "Smooth-Edged Contoured Sanitary Napkin", whichpatent issued to Luceri on Mar. 31, 1987, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,478,entitled "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps", which patent issued to VanTilburg on Aug. 18, 1987. Attempts have been made to prevent thebunching effect of such compaction type sanitary napkins by providingthem with a form-retaining member. Such sanitary napkins are disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,634, entitled "Sanitary Napkin With ResilientStiffening Means", which patent issued to DiSalvo et al. on Apr. 1,1980, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,405,326, entitled "Catamenial Bandage", whichpatent issued to Lenaghan on Sep. 20, 1983.

While the sanitary napkins and other devices discussed above do providesome measure of success in absorbing and containing body exudates, theyfail to address the need for a sanitary napkin which by the mere act ofputting it on will itself merge in with, closely conform to and fitexactly the cross-sectional outline of the pudendal region as soon asapplied without requiring the usual bending, twisting or otheradjustments or manipulations, and which will always retain suchconformity simply due to its flexure-resistant, reformable and resilientcharacteristics.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide asanitary napkin which by the mere act of putting it on will itself mergein with, closely conform to, and fit exactly the cross-sectional outlineof the external surfaces of the pudendal region.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide asanitary napkin which will change its shape so as to conform to thechanging shape of the pudendal region when the wearer is running,squatting, crossing her legs, etc.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide asanitary napkin having a flexure-resistant deformation element whichcauses the body surface of the sanitary napkin to remain in intimatecontact with the external surfaces of the labia majora.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide asanitary napkin having a flexure-resistant deformation element having abody facing surface wherein the body facing surface of the deformationelement has a convex upward configuration when the napkin is subjectedto the lateral compressive forces of the wearer's thighs.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide asanitary napkin having a flexure-resistant deformation element having abody facing surface wherein the body facing surface is generallycupped-shaped in the front region, generally "W" shaped in the centralregion and generally inverted "V" shaped in the back region of thedeformation element.

These and other objectives of the present invention will be more readilyapparent when considered in reference to the following description andwhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a disposable absorbent article, andparticularly a sanitary napkin, having a flexure-resistant deformationelement, the deformation element having a body facing surface which hasa convex upward configuration when the sanitary napkin is worn.Primarily without relying on lateral compressive forces of the wearer'slabia, the deformation element of the present invention relies on thelateral compressive forces of the wearer's thighs in order to form ormaintain a convex upward configuration when the sanitary napkin is worn.In a preferred embodiment, the deformation element has a flexure means,and particularly a longitudinally extending flexure hinge, for inducingthe body facing surface of the deformation element to have a convexupward configuration when the sanitary napkin is worn. In analternatively preferred embodiment, the deformation element has acentral region having a "W" shaped cross-section wherein the body facingsurface of the deformation element having the convex upwardconfiguration is located in the central region, generally symmetricallybetween the longitudinal side edges of the napkin. In anotheralternatively preferred embodiment, the deformation element has acup-shaped front region and a back region having a convex upwardconfigured body facing surface. The deformation element may be amoldable substance such as a foam, it may be reformable and/or it may beresilient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as formingthe present invention, it is believed that the invention will be betterunderstood from the following descriptions which are taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like designationsare used to designate substantially identical elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a preferred sanitary napkin embodiment ofthe present invention with the portion of the sanitary napkin whichcontacts the wearer facing the viewer.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred sanitary napkin embodiment shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the preferred sanitary napkin embodiment shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the preferred sanitarynapkin embodiment shown in FIG. 1 taken along section line 4--4 of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the preferred sanitarynapkin embodiment shown in FIG. 1 taken along section line 5--5 of FIG.1.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a preferred deformation element embodimentof the preferred sanitary napkin embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the preferred deformation elementembodiment shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the preferred deformationelement embodiment shown in FIG. 6 taken along section line 8--8 of FIG.6.

FIG. 9 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the preferred sanitarynapkin embodiment shown in FIG. 1 taken along section line 9--9 of FIG.1 through the portion of the sanitary napkin which is disposed beneaththe center of the vaginal orifice when the sanitary napkin is worn.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the test apparatus plungers.

FIG. 11 is a view of a cast molded lateral cross-section of thepreferred sanitary napkin embodiment shown in FIG. 1 when the sanitarynapkin is being worn, the cross-section being taken along the lateralcenterline of the sanitary napkin.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the preferred deformation elementembodiment shown in FIG. 6 when the preferred sanitary napkin embodimentshown in FIG. 1 is being worn by a female who is naked and in thestanding position with the sanitary napkin being subjected to lateralcompressive forces by the wearer's thighs.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the preferred deformation element embodimentshown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a lateral cross-sectional view of an alternatively preferreddeformation element embodiment of an alternatively preferred sanitarynapkin embodiment of the present invention which is being worn, thecross-section being taken through that portion of the sanitary napkinwhich is disposed beneath the center of the vaginal orifice when thesanitary napkin is worn.

FIG. 15 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a deformation element of asanitary napkin which is being worn, the sanitary napkin not beingwithin the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the preferred deformationelement embodiment shown in FIG. 12 taken along section line 16--16 ofFIG. 12 through the portion of the deformation element which is disposedbeneath the center of the vaginal orifice when the preferred sanitarynapkin embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is worn.

FIG. 17 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the preferred deformationelement embodiment shown in FIG. 12 taken along section line 17--17 ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 18 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the preferred deformationelement embodiment shown in FIG. 12 taken along section line 18--18 ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 19 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the preferred deformationelement embodiment shown in FIG. 12 taken along section line 19--19 ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 20 is a depiction of the lateral cross-sectional view of thepreferred deformation element embodiment shown in FIG. 16, depicting thedeformation of the deformation element when the body surface of thepreferred sanitary napkin embodiment of FIG. 1 makes intimate contactwith the pudendal region of a wearer.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of an alternatively preferred sanitary napkinembodiment of the present invention having portions cut away to revealunderlying structure and with the portion of the sanitary napkin whichcontacts the wearer facing the viewer.

FIG. 22 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the alternatively preferredsanitary napkin embodiment shown in FIG. 21 taken along section line22--22 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a lateral cross-sectional view of another alternativelypreferred deformation element embodiment of another alternativelypreferred sanitary napkin embodiment of the present invention takenthrough the portion of the deformation element which is disposed beneaththe center of the vaginal orifice when the sanitary napkin is worn.

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of another alternatively preferreddeformation element embodiment of another alternatively preferredsanitary napkin embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of another alternatively preferreddeformation element embodiment and sanitary napkin embodiment of thepresent invention, the topsheet not being shown.

FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of another alternatively preferreddeformation element embodiment and sanitary napkin embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of the alternatively preferreddeformation element embodiment and sanitary napkin embodiment shown inFIG. 26 as it would appear when worn.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such assanitary napkins, and in particular to sanitary napkins having aflexure-resistance deformation element having a convex upward configuredbody facing surface when worn.

As used herein, the term "disposable absorbent article" refers toarticles which absorb and contain body exudates and more specificallyrefers to articles which are placed against or in proximity to the bodyof a wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates which aredischarged from the body (e.g., blood, menses, urine) and which areintended to be discarded after a single use (i.e., they are not intendedto be laundered or otherwise restored or reused). A preferred embodimentof the disposable absorbent article of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 1 through 5 as it would be used in a sanitary napkin 10. As usedherein, the term "sanitary napkin" refers to an article which is worn byfemales adjacent to the pudendal region and which is intended to absorband contain menstrual fluids and other vaginal discharges. Interlabialdevices which reside partially within the wearer's vestibule are alsowithin the scope of this invention. As used herein, the term "pudendal"refers to the externally visible female genitalia and is limited to thelabia majora, the labia minora, the clitoris and the vestibule.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 5, a preferred sanitary napkin 10basically comprises a deformation element 20 and an absorbent means 39.The absorbent means 39 may be any means which is generally compressible,conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin and capable ofabsorbing and containing liquids and certain body exudates such asmenses, blood and urine. If the absorbent means 39 is comprised of morethan one constituent part or material, one part or material of theabsorbent means 39 may not be absorbent or liquid permeable, so long asthe combination of parts or materials has some degree of absorbency andsome degree of the properties set forth above. The absorbent means 39has a first major surface 91 and a second major surface 92. In thepreferred embodiment illustrated, the deformation element 20 serves asthe liquid impermeable backing for the sanitary napkin 10 and has a bodyfacing surface 16, a bottom surface 17, and a periphery 33 whichcomprises the element side edges 31 and the element end edges 32. In thepreferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the absorbent means 39is superimposed on the deformation element 20 such that the second majorsurface 92 of the absorbent means 39 is adjacent to the body facingsurface 16 of the deformation element 20. Further, in the preferredembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the absorbent means 39 comprisesan absorbent core 40 and a liquid permeable topsheet 45. The absorbentcore 40 has a first major surface 43, a second major surface 44, coreside edges 41 and core end edges 42. The absorbent core 40 issuperimposed on the deformation element 20 such that the second majorsurface 44 of the absorbent core 40 is adjacent to the body facingsurface 16 of the deformation element 20. The topsheet 45 overlays thefirst major surface 43 of the absorbent core 40.

The sanitary napkin 10 has a liquid receiving body surface 13 which isgenerally defined by the topsheet 45 and a garment surface 14 which isgenerally defined by the bottom surface 17 of the deformation element20. Preferably the topsheet 45 and the deformation element 20 havelength and width dimensions generally larger than the absorbent core 40so that they extend beyond the core side edges 41 and the core end edges42 of the absorbent core 40 where they are associated together in asuitable manner. As used herein, the term "associated" encompassesconfigurations whereby a first member is directly joined to a secondmember and configurations whereby a first member is indirectly joined toa second member by affixing the first member to intermediate memberswhich in turn are affixed to the second member. The extension of thetopsheet 45 and/or the deformation element 20 beyond the core side edges41 and the core end edges 42 of the absorbent core 40 forms thelongitudinal side edges 11 and the end edges 12, respectively, of thesanitary napkin 10. The longitudinal side edges 11 and the end edges 12of the sanitary napkin 10 comprise the periphery 15 of the sanitarynapkin 10.

Looking at some of the members of the sanitary napkin 10 morespecifically, the topsheet 45 is positioned adjacent the first majorsurface 43 of the absorbent core 40 and overlays a major portion of theabsorbent core 40 so that when exudates are discharged onto the topsheet45 they will transfer from the body surface 13 of the topsheet 45through to the absorbent core 40 where they are absorbed by theabsorbent core 40. The topsheet 45 extends outwardly toward the edges ofthe absorbent core 40 so that a major portion of the absorbent core 40is disposed between the topsheet 45 and the deformation element 20. Inthe preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the topsheet 45 haslength and width dimensions generally larger than those of the absorbentcore 40.

The topsheet 45 is compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to thewearer's skin. Further, the topsheet 45 is liquid pervious, permittingliquids to readily transfer through its thickness. A suitable topsheet45 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as formedthermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, porous foams, reticulatedfoams, natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers(e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers) or from a combination ofnatural and synthetic fibers, with formed films being preferred. Formedfilms are preferred for the topsheet 45 because they are pervious toliquids and yet non-absorbent. Thus, the surface of the formed film,which is in contact with the body, remains dry, thereby reducing bodysoiling and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitableformed films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135, entitled"Absorptive Structure Having Tapered Capillaries", which patent issuedto Thompson on Dec. 30, 1975, U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,246, entitled"Disposable Absorbent Article Having A Stain Resistant Topsheet", whichpatent issued to Mullane and Smith on Apr. 13, 1982, U.S. Pat. No.4,342,314, entitled "Resilient Plastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-LikeProperties", which patent issued to Radel and Thompson on Aug. 3, 1982,and U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045, entitled "Macroscopically ExpandedThree-Dimensional Plastic Web Exhibiting Non-Glossy Visible Surface andCloth-Like Tactile Impression", which patent issued to Ahr, Louis,Mullane, and Ouellete on Jul. 31, 1984, all of which patents areincorporated herein by reference.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body surface 13of the topsheet 45 is hydrophilic. The hydrophilic body surface 13 helpsliquid to transfer through the topsheet 45 faster than if the bodysurface 13 was not hydrophilic. This diminishes the likelihood thatmenstrual fluid will flow off the topsheet 45 rather than being absorbedby the absorbent core 40. In a preferred embodiment, the body surface 13of the topsheet 45 is made hydrophilic by treating the body surface 13with a surfactant. It is preferred that the surfactant be substantiallyevenly and completely distributed throughout the body surface 13 of thetopsheet 45. This can be accomplished by any of the common techniqueswell known to those skilled in the art. For example, the surfactant canbe applied to the topsheet 45 by spraying, by padding or by the use oftransfer rolls.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, thetopsheet 45 may advantageously be provided with a target acquisitionzone 46. As shown in FIG. 1, the zone 46 has larger openings and agreater percentage of open area than the remaining regions of thetopsheet 45. The zone 46 serves two purposes. First, the larger openingsand greater open area provide quicker acquisition of fluid gushes whichare often experienced when a woman rises from having been seated orlying, whereas blood and menses have accumulated in the vaginal canal orvestibule. Second, the larger openings of the zone 46, as compared tothe rest of the topsheet 45, provide more complete acquisition of thesometimes highly viscous menses. Without the zone 46, less absorption ofexudates may take place and the unabsorbed exudates may lay in contactwith the body and cause irritation or they may flow to the edges 11 and12 of the sanitary napkin 10 and cause soiling. The zone 46 can bepositioned anywhere on the topsheet 45 and can have any shape. The zone46 can be as small as proper functioning will allow or almost as largeas the topsheet 45, itself. However, because the larger openings of thezone 46 may not prevent rewet as well as the rest of the topsheet 45,the zone 46 preferably has an area great enough to be in contact withthe menses as it exits the vestibule yet not so large as to contactsurrounding skin surfaces which could be soiled or irritated by rewet.Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the zone 46 is positioned on thetopsheet 45 in an area where menses will contact the zone 46 firstbefore contacting the rest of the topsheet 45. This area is preferablydisposed beneath the vestibule and more preferably beneath the vaginalorifice. In the preferred embodiment of the topsheet 45 shown in FIG. 1,the target acquisition zone 46 is symmetrically located on the topsheet45 due to the fact that the preferred embodiment of the napkin 10 shownis designed symmetrically so that the napkin 10 and the targetacquisition zone 46 will function properly, when worn, no matter whichdirection the napkin 10 is worn.

As seen in FIG. 1, the perimeter of the target acquisition zone 46 isdefined by an inner perimeter region 47. In the preferred embodimentshown, the inner perimeter region 47 is impervious. The inner perimeterregion 47 may be formed by thermomolding a polymeric topsheet 45 to apolymeric fiber absorbent core 40 or by gluing or fusing a topsheet 45to a fluff pulp absorbent core 40. The inner perimeter region 47 is notprimarily intended for the function of defining the outer perimeter ofthe zone 46, but, instead is intended to hold the topsheet 45 in contactwith the absorbent core 40 so that the topsheet 45 will not shift orroll, and also so that the absorbent core 40 will stay in place and havebetter integrity. Further, the inner perimeter region 47 may not beliquid impervious but will function equally well if it is liquidpervious. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the configurationof the inner perimeter region 47 is made to correspond to the outline ofthe protuberance 71 of the deformation element 20, which will beexplained in more detail later in this specification. The innerperimeter region 47 creates a slight trough around the zone 46 causingthe zone 46 to have a somewhat pillowing effect. In an alternativeembodiment of the napkin 10, the deformation element 20 has dimples inregions which correspond to the inner perimeter region 47 and whichextend through the absorbent core 40, in which case the topsheet 45 isthermomolded or glued directly to the dimples.

The absorbent core 40 may be any means which is generally compressible,conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable ofabsorbing and containing liquids and certain body exudates. Theabsorbent core 40 may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes andshapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, etc.) and from a wide variety ofliquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable sanitary napkins,diapers and other absorbent referred to as airfelt and which ispreferred. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include crepedcellulose wadding, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, super absorbentpolymers, absorbent hydrogel materials, polymeric fibers, or anyequivalent materials or combinations of materials. The total absorbentcapacity of the absorbent core 40 should, however, be compatible withthe design exudate loading for the intended use of the absorbentarticle. Further, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core40 may be varied to accommodate wearer's ranging in size and alsoranging in the expected of exudate fluid volume. For instance, adifferent absorbent capacity may be utilized for sanitary napkinsintended for daytime use as compared with those intended for nighttimeuse or for sanitary napkins intended for use by teenage females ascompared with those intended for use by more mature women.

A preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 10 has a generallyrectangular shaped absorbent core 40 having rounded end edges 42 and isintended to be worn by generally all females. The absorbent core 40 ispreferably a batt of airfelt having a laminate of hydrogel formingmaterial 37 adjacent to and underlaying the airfelt fibers. Suitablehydrogel forming materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,039,entitled "Hydrogel-Forming Polymer Compositions For Use In AbsorbentStructures", which patent issued to Brandt, Goldman and Inglin on Mar.31, 1987. Preferably, the batt of airfelt is about 6.0 centimeters wide(lateral dimension) and about 19.0 centimeters long (longitudinaldimension). The absorbent core 40 has a generally uniform caliper ofabout 4.6 millimeters, and absorbent capacity of from about 4.0 grams toabout 10.0 grams of water per gram of absorbent material and a densityof about 0.1 grams per cubic centimeter. It should be understood,however, that the size, shape, configuration, and total absorbentcapacity of the absorbent core 40 may be varied to accommodate wearer'sranging in size and expected fluid flow. Therefore, the dimensions,shape, and configuration of the absorbent core 40 may be varied (e.g.,the absorbent core may have a varying caliper or a hydrophilicgradient).

The deformation element 20 is flexure-resistant. As used herein, theterm "flexure-resistant" refers to an element which will support abending moment, in contrast to an element which will support only axialforces. The deformation element 20 of the present invention has apreference for having a convex upward configuration when the napkin 10is subjected to lateral compressive forces 100, when worn. Preferably,the deformation element 20 of the present invention will have a convexupward configuration when the sanitary napkin 10 is worn by differentfemales wearing the same designed napkin 10 for a period of fifteenminutes in a least seventy of one-hundred trials. In some configurationsof the element 20, the wearer may have to initially manipulate theelement 20 into a convex upward configuration either prior to or justafter placement of the napkin 10 to the wearer's body. Preferably, thedeformation element 20 is manufactured from a moldable substance. Morepreferably the element 20 is manufactured from a thermomoldablesustance, and most preferably a radiation cross-linked polyethylenefoam. Such a foam is manufactured by Voltek, Inc. of Lawrence, Mass.,and marked in the trade as Voltek Volara Type 2A. Another suitable foamis a thermomoldable cross-linked closed cell polyolefin which ismanufactured by Dynamit Nobel of America, Inc. of South Holland, Ill.,and marketed in the trade as Dynamit Nobel Trocellen Type XJV400. Apreferred deformation element 20 has a caliper of from about 1.25 toabout 2.5 millimeters and more preferably from about 1.75 to about 2.0millimeters. A preferred element 20 is formed from a polyethylene foamsheet which is subsequently subjected to molding by a knownthermomolding process. The sheet is subjected to thermomolding at atemperature of from about 110° C. to about 205° C. to form the element20. Other suitable foams are made from such substances as polyethylene,polypropylene, polyester, polybutylene, ethylene vinyl acetate,polyurethane, thermobondable cellulose, latex, silicone elastomerics andothers. However, the element 20 need not be made of foam. Alternatively,the element 20 could be made of fibers, films or sheets of cellulose,rayon, nylon, polyester, stiffened cotton, polyethylene, vinyl acetate,latex, rubber, plastic, heavy-weight paper such as cardboard, coatedpaper, or a combination or laminate of these or other materials.Further, if the element 20 is susceptible to being wetted when worn,then the element 20 must be moisture stable. In other words, elementswhich are susceptible to wetting when worn and are not moisture stable,but instead are moisture unstable, are not within the scope of thepresent invention. As used herein, the term "moisture unstable" refersto materials which are held together solely by hydrogen bonds and/orfibrous structures comprised or short fibers having a length of 10.0millimeters or less which are held together by mechanical entanglementand frictional forces. An example of a material which is held togethersolely by hydrogen bonds is standard toilet tissue which is a slurry ofwood pulp laid on a screen and subjected to drying. An example of amaterial which is held together by mechanical entanglement andfrictional forces is short-fiber fluff pulp which is air-laid and thencompressed or densified to promote interfiber entanglement. Conversely,if a material is bonded at least partially through means other thanhydrogen or short-fiber mechanical entanglement and frictional forces,then the material is moisture stable. Examples include short wood pulpfibers which are adhesively held together, foams having chemical bondsother than just hydrogen, long synthetic fibers suitably blended withshort-fiber wood pulp and others. The reason that the element 20 must bemoisture stable is that in order for the element 20 to providecontinuing benefit when worn and soiled, the element 20 should maintaina functional degree of flexure-resistance throughout a normal wearingtime. While it is true that many moisture unstable elements form upnicely into a convex upward configuration and have flexural-resistanceprior to or shortly after being worn, when these elements are subjectedto perspiration, water, menses or urine in the presence of wearingflexures, their hydrogen or mechanical frictional bonds deteriorate andthe element loses a large part, if not all, of its flexure-resistanceand, therefore, its usefulness.

Of course, a number of ingenious embodiments of the present inventionexist in which the deformation element 20 does not consist solely of asingle homogenous material. For example, the element 20 may be comprisedof fluff pulp having unbonded regions and selected adhesively bondedregions which impart to the element 20 a flexure-resistance.Alternatively, the element 20 may be comprised of fluff pulp having thinstrips or a lattice of foam material dispersed throughout the fluff pulpto provide flexure-resistance. Also, for example, the element 20 may bea polymeric sheet having a stiffening grid bonded to it to provideflexure-resistance. In such cases where the element 20 is a combinationof materials, if it is necessary to test the flexure-resistance of theelement 20 by the Circular Bend Procedure, as explained below, then eachconstituent part should be tested individually, if feasible, and alsothe combination of materials should be tested as a whole.

Preferably, the element 20 has a flexure-resistance measured by peakbending stiffness of at least about 100.0 grams. More preferably, thedeformation element 20 has a peak bending stiffness of greater thanabout 200.0 grams, and most preferably greater than about 350.0 grams.Depending on the element's 20 design, peak bending stiffness of greaterthan 500.0 grams have been found acceptable. As an element increases inflexure-resistance, it generally maintains its shape better, but it alsogenerally becomes more uncomfortable and increases wearing awareness.

Peak bending stiffness is determined by a test which is modeled afterthe ASTM D4032-82 CIRCULAR BEND PROCEDURE, the procedure beingconsiderably modified and performed as follows. The circular bendprocedure is a simultaneous multi-directional deformation of a materialin which one face of a specimen becomes concave and the other facebecomes convex. The circular bend procedure gives a force value relatedto flexure-resistance, simultaneously averaging stiffness in alldirections.

APPARATUS

The apparatus necessary for the CIRCULAR BEND PROCEDURE is a modifiedCircular Bend Stiffness Tester, having the following parts:

Two smooth-polished steel plate platforms which are 102.0×102.0×6.35millimeters, one having an 18.75 millimeter diameter orifice and theother having a 31.75 millimeter diameter orifice. The lap edge of eachorifice should be at a 45 degree angle to a depth of 4.75 millimeters.

A plunger having an overall length of 72.2 millimeters, a diameter of6.25 millimeters, a ball nose having a radius of 2.97 millimeters and aneedle-point extending 0.88 millimeter therefrom having a 0.33millimeter base diameter and a point having a radius of less than 0.5millimeter, the plunger being mounted concentric with the orifice andhaving equal clearance on all sides. Note that the needle-point ismerely to prevent lateral movement of the test specimen during testing.Therefore, if the needle-point significantly adversely affects the testspecimen (for example, punctures an inflatable structure), then theneedle-point should not be used. The bottom of the plunger should be setwell above the top of the orifice plate. From this position, thedownward stroke of the ball nose is to the exact bottom of the plateorifice.

A force-measurement gauge, and more specifically an Instron invertedcompression load cell. The load cell has a load range from about 0.0 toabout 2000.0 grams.

An actuator, and more specifically the Instron Model No. 1122 having aninverted compression load cell. The Instron 1122 is made by the InstronEngineering Corporation, Canton, Mass.

NUMBER AND PREPARATION OF SPECIMENS

In order to perform the procedure for this test, as explained below,five representative absorbent articles are necessary. From eachabsorbent article, the element to be tested is removed. In articleswhere the deformation element 20 is a combination of materials, asearlier explained, each constituent part should be tested separately, iffeasible, and also, the element should be tested as a whole. From one ofthe five elements to be tested, some number "Y" of 37.5×37.5 millimetertest specimens are cut. If any portion of the element meets theparameters of this test, then the element as a whole satisfies the test.Therefore, a number "Y" of different specimens should be tested fromeach element. Certainly, the structurally most rigid portion of theelement should be tested. Preferably, a test specimen is cut from aportion of the element which has a convex upward configuration, as laterdescribed. There may be portions of the elements which are not 37.5×37.5millimeters. In such a case, the largest available specimen of theelement should be tested. The test specimens should not be folded orbent by the test person and the handling of specimens must be kept to aminimum and to the edges to avoid affecting flexural-resistanceproperties. From the four remaining elements, an equal number "Y" of37.5×37.5 millimeter specimens identical to the specimens cut from thefirst element are cut. Thus, the test person should have "Y" number ofsets of five identical specimens.

PROCEDURE

The procedure for the CIRCULAR BEND PROCEDURE is as follows. Thespecimens are conditioned by leaving them in a room which is 21° ±1° C.and 50±2% relative humidity for a period of two hours. It has beenrecognized that specimens having an uncompressed optical caliper of 6.35millimeters or greater tend to bunch up in the 18.75 millimeter testplate orifice and thereby give readings which are more related to thespecimen's compression resistance rather than the specimen'sflexure-resistance. Thus, specimens having an uncompressed opticalcaliper of 6.35 millimeters or greater should be tested using the testplate having the orifice of 31.75 millimeters. Whichever plate is used,the test procedure and calculations remain the same and the preferredflexure-resistances previously given also remain the same. The testerplate is leveled. The plunger speed is set at 50.0 centimeters perminute per full stroke length. A specimen is centered on the orificeplatform below the plunger such that the body facing surface 16 of thespecimen is facing the plunger and the bottom surface 17 of the specimenis facing the platform. The indicator zero is checked and adjusted, ifnecessary. The plunger is actuated. Touching the specimen during thetesting should be avoided. The maximum force reading to the nearest gramis recorded. The above steps are repeated until all five of thespecimens have been tested.

CALCULATION

The peak bending stiffness for each specimen is the maximum forcereading for that specimen. Remember that "Y" number of sets of fiveidentical specimens were cut. Each set of five identical specimens aretested and the five values received are averaged. Thus, the test personnow has an average value for each of the "Y" sets tested. Remember, ifany portion of the element satisfies this test, then the element as awhole satisfies the test. Therefore, the flexure-resistance for aparticularly designed element is the greatest of these average peakbending stiffnesses.

In the preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 10 shown in FIGS. 1through 5, the deformation element 20 is positioned such that the bodyfacing surface 16 of the deformation element 20 is adjacent to thesecond major surface 44 of the absorbent core 40. In the preferredembodiment, the deformation element 20 is substantially liquidimpermeable and serves as the liquid impermeable backing of the sanitarynapkin 10. The deformation element 20 underlays a major portion of theabsorbent core 40 so that exudates which are absorbed by and containedwithin the absorbent core 40 are prevented from soiling adjacentgarments and linens. In the preferred embodiment, the deformationelement 20 has length and width dimensions generally larger than theabsorbent core 40 so that the deformation element 20 extends beyond thecore side edges 41 and the core end edges 42 to the longitudinal sideedges 11 and the end edges 12, respectively, of the sanitary napkin 10where it is associated with the topsheet 45. In a preferred embodiment,the topsheet 45 and the deformation element 20 are heat-sealed to eachother near and along the periphery 15 of the sanitary napkin 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the foam element 20 has a closed-cellconstruction on its body facing surface 16 so that it is non-absorbent.However, the foam element 20 may be of an open-cell construction on itsbody facing surface 16 so that it is absorbent. However, when the foamelement 20 is used as the liquid impermeable backing of the sanitarynapkin 10, the element 20 should be substantially liquid impermeable.

A preferred deformation element 20 of the sanitary napkin 10 shown inFIGS. 1 through 5 is shown in FIGS. 6 through 8. In the preferredembodiment, the element 20 has a length of about 20.5 centimeters, awidth of about 8.0 centimeters and a generally uniform caliper of about2.0 millimeters, except for the flexure hinges 23A, 23B and 23C whichhave a caliper of about 1.25 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, thedeformation element 20 has a flexure means 23 for inducing thedeformation element 20 to bend in a preconceived way into a preconceivedgeometric configuration when the sanitary napkin 10 is subjected tolateral compressive forces 100 when worn. There are a number of possibleflexure means 23. A preferred flexure means 23 are the flexure hinges23A, 23B and 23C shown in FIGS. 6 through 8. A flexure hinge initiatesdeformational development of preconceived geometric configurations. Aflexure hinge creates different bend-resistances across the width of thedeformation element 20. The difference in bend-resistance can be createdby geometric discontinuities in the element 20 as by pre-set folds,scoring, indentations, perforations, or fairly abrupt changes inelevation. The difference can also be created by changes inbend-resistance across the width of the element 20 due to changes inmaterial properties of the element 20 as by localized compaction or bythe combination of different materials across the width of the element20, wherein the materials have different flexure-resistances. In apreferred embodiment, the flexure hinges 23A, 23B and 23C induce thedeformation element to have a convex upward configuration when thenapkin 10 is worn. The convex upward configuration of the element 20causes the absorbent core 40 and the topsheet 45 to also have a convexupward configuration, and consequently, the body surface 13 of thenapkin 10 has a convex upward configuration when the napkin 10 is worn.

The preferred embodiment of the element 20 shown in FIGS. 6 through 8has a linear central hinge 23A, a pair of curvilinear thigh hinges 23B,and a pair of curvilinear protuberance hinges 23C, all of which are ofthe geometric discontinuous type and all of which have been thermomoldedinto the element 20. From each element side edge 31, the element 20slopes inwards and downwards to form walls 72 having bases 74 which areadjacent to the curvilinear thigh hinges 23B. The walls 72 comprise thatportion of the element 20 between the thigh hinges 23B and the elementside edges 31. The walls 72 have a pudendal facing surface 73. FIGS. 6and 7 illustrate that the thigh hinges 23B extend generallylongitudinally and curve inward from the element side edges 31 so as toapproximate the curvature of a wearer's thighs. In other words, thethigh hinges 23B are arcuate, wherein the midpoint of the arc is thegreatest distance from the element side edges 31. The thigh hinges 23Bhave a generally "U" shaped cross-section as shown in FIG. 8. Adjacentto the longitudinal midpoint of the thigh hinges 23B are the curvilinearprotuberance hinges 23C which serve to define the perimeter of theprotuberance 71 of the element 20 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Theprotuberance hinges 23C are arcuate wherein the midpoint of the arc isthe greatest distance from the longitudinal axis 90. The protuberancehinges 23C are formed into the element 20 as a result of thethermomolding formation of the protuberance 71. Thus, as shown in FIG.8, the protuberance hinges 23C are the result of a fairly abrupt changein elevation across the element 20. As shown in FIG. 8, from theprotuberance hinges 23C the element 20 curvilinearly slopes upward tothe linear central hinge 23A, thus forming a protuberance 71. Theprotuberance 71 is provided to promote and initiate some of the desiredbending deformations of the element 20 and, in particular, theprotuberance 71 predisposes the element 20 to bend in such a way thatthe body facing surface 16 of the element 20 will have a convex upwardconfiguration when the napkin 10 is subjected to lateral compressiveforces 100 when worn, as will be later explained. Of course, theprotuberance 71 need not be provided and, in fact, the element 20 can beplanar or downwardly cup shaped. However, such configurations mightrequire a more complex design that might require more compressive forceand more mechanical action in order to create a convex upwardconfiguration. Thus, by providing the element 20 with a protuberance 71and thereby giving the body facing surface 16 of the element 20, andmore particularly that portion of the body facing surface 16 which issuperimposed over the protuberance 71, a pre-formed convex upwardconfiguration, the element 20 need only maintain a convex upwardconfiguration when the napkin 10 is subjected to lateral compressiveforces 100, when worn, in contrast to an element 20 that is planar ordownwardly cupped shaped when applied but assumes a convex upwardconfiguration when worn. As used herein, the term "maintain" includesembodiments wherein the body facing surface 16 of the element 20 retainsthe same convex upward configuration that it had prior to theapplication of lateral compressive forces 100 when worn and embodimentswherein the body facing surface 16 assumes a different convex upwardconfiguration than it had prior to the application of lateralcompressive forces 100 when worn. In addition, recognizing that anobject of the present invention is to put the body surface 13 of thenapkin 10 in intimate contact with the external surfaces of the labiamajora when worn, the protuberance 71 gives the element 20 and,consequently the napkin 10, some pre-formed elevation to aid inproviding such intimate contact. As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the centralhinge 23A extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis 90 of theelement 20 nearly from one end edge 32 of the element 20 to the otherend edge 32. As shown in FIG. 8, the central hinge 23A has a generallyinverted "U" shaped cross-section.

The previous description of the sanitary napkin 10, and particularly thedeformation element 20, has been directed to the element's 20 "at rest"configuration. However, when the sanitary napkin 10 is worn, at least aportion of the body facing surface 16 of the deformation element 20 musthave a convex upward configuration. As used herein, the term "convexupward configuration" includes embodiments wherein at least a portion ofthe body facing surface 16 of the deformation element 20 has a convexshape.

The presence of a "convex upward configuration" is determined asfollows, the following explanation being given with reference to FIGS. 9through 11. First, two plungers 200 having a radius of about 76.2millimeters are positioned symmetrically across from each other so thatthe midpoint of the faces of the plungers 200 are about 25.4 millimetersapart. The curvature of the plungers 200 is intended to approximate thecurvature of the thighs of a representative number of women. The 25.4millimeters distance is intended to approximate the distance between thethighs of a representative number of women, when standing. A top view oftwo properly positioned plungers 200 is shown in FIG. 10. The plungers200 have a face 205 height of about 51.0 millimeters, a bottom lip 220having a width of about 5.0 millimeters and a thickness of about 5.0millimeters. With the body surface 13 of the napkin to be tested facingup and the garment surface 14 of the napkin facing down, the napkin isplaced between the plungers 200 in the shape that the napkin 10generally has when worn. The napkin may have to be manipulated into its"in use" shape. Often, this "in use" shape can be determined throughsimple visual observations of females wearing the napkin. If the shapeis not determinable through visual observation, at least one feasiblealternative that is available is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).Magnetic resonance images of females wearing sanitary napkins which havebeen saturated with mineral oil have been used to give accuratedepictions of the shape a sanitary napkin has when worn. As soon as thesanitary napkin is properly positioned between the plungers 200, a castmolding of the sanitary napkin is made. The cast molding is for thepurpose of permanently "freezing" the napkin in this "in use"configuration so that the napkin can be further studied. The cast moldcan be made from a number of different materials. Preferably, thematerial that is used will penetrate into the absorbent means. Twomaterials that have been found suitable are a hard-casting materialwhich is marketed as EnviroTex 1 to 1 Polymer Coating by EnvironmentalTechnology, Inc. of Fields Landing, Calif. and a soft-casting materialwhich is a mixture of 46% Veisamid 125 resin which is marketed by theHenkel Corporation of Minneapolis, Minn., 31% EPON 812 hardener which ismarketed by Polaron Equipment Limited of Watford, Conn. and 23% 1,1,1Trichloroethane thinner. The casting material can be poured directlyinto the napkin if the "in use" configuration is susceptible to such(i.e., for example, boat or cupped shaped). If not, a thin sheet ofaluminum foil can be placed around and under the napkin so as to createa receiver for the casting material. The aluminum foil receiver can thenbe filled so as to submerge the napkin in the casting material. Eitherway, the napkin should substantially retain its in-use shape. After thecasting material has set, any number of lateral cross-sections can becut along the longitudinal length of the napkin. From these lateralcross-sections, a person can determine whether the napkin has a convexupward configuration by performing the following test, reference beingdirected to the cast molded lateral cross-section of the napkin 10 shownin FIG. 11. While looking directly at a cross-section, if there is apoint on the body facing surface 16 of the element 20 that has anelevation of at least about 2.5 millimeters above either outer perimeterof the body facing surface 16, then the body facing surface 16 of theelement 20 has a convex upward configuration. If there is such a point,the point is preferably at least about 5.0 millimeters above eitherouter perimeter of the body facing surface 16. If there is no suchpoint, as per the lateral cross-section shown in FIG. 11, then, startingfrom the left outer perimeter of the body facing surface 16 of theelement 20 and moving to the right, the body facing surface 16 isscanned until an inflection point 50 between a downward slope and anupward slope is found. If there is a first point 51 along the bodyfacing surface 16 to the right of the inflection point 50 which has anelevation of at least about 2.5 millimeters above the inflection point50, and a second point 52 along the body facing surface 16 to the rightof the first point 51 which has an elevation below the first point 51 ofat least about 2.5 millimeters, as per the lateral cross-section shownin FIG. 11, then the body facing surface 16 of the deformation element20 has a convex upward configuration. Preferably, the first point 51 hasan elevation of at least about 5.0 millimeters above the inflectionpoint 50 and the second point 52 has an elevation of at least about 5.0millimeters below the first point 51. The body facing surface 16 musthave at least one convex upward configuration but can have more.Preferably, a portion of the body facing surface 16 of the element 20 inthe central region 62 of the element 20 will have a convex upwardconfiguration. More preferably, the portion of the body facing surface16 of the element 20 which is disposed beneath the center of the vaginalorifice when the napkin 10 is worn will have a convex upwardconfiguration. A cross-section of an alternatively preferred deformationelement 20 embodiment of the present invention having a body facingsurface 16 having a convex upward configuration is shown in FIG. 14. Anexample of a deformation element 20 not within the scope of the presentinvention having a body facing surface 16 but not having a convex upwardconfiguration is shown in FIG. 15.

Heretofore, the sanitary napkin 10, and particularly the deformationelement 20, have basically been described in their "at rest" (i.e., notworn) configurations. However, because the general population of womenhave thighs which are too close together not to apply any laterallycompressive forces 100 to the napkin 10 when worn, the "at rest"configurations of the napkin 10 and the element 20 will seldom, if ever,be realized when the napkin 10 of the present invention is being worn.Therefore, the following is a description of the different anatomyconforming shapes the deformation element 20 assumes along the element's20 length when the sanitary napkin 10 is being worn and therebysubjected to the lateral compressive forces 100 of the wearer's thighs.In the preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 13 and 16 through 20, the absorbent means 39 which isassociated with the element 20, generally flexes in cooperation with theelement 20. More specifically, the topsheet 45, which is affixeddirectly to the element 20 in the periphery 15 of the napkin 10, and theabsorbent core 40, which is disposed between the topsheet 45 and theelement 20, generally flex in cooperation with the element 20. Thus, inthe preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional configurations of thenapkin 10 along the napkin's 10 longitudinal length, and specifically ofthe absorbent means 39, which in the preferred embodiment comprises thetopsheet 45 and the absorbent core 40, generally mimic thecross-sectional configurations of the element 20. In other embodiments,the cross-sectional configurations of the napkin 10 and the absorbentmeans 39 may not mimic the cross-sectional configurations of the element20.

As seen in FIG. 12, when a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin10 is subjected to lateral compressive forces 100, as when worn, theelement 20 assumes a generally hourglass shaped top plan view. Theportion of the element 20 which lies beneath the pudendum of the wearerbetween the anterior commissure and the posterior commissure, when worn,is the central region 62. Therefore, when the preferred napkin 10embodiment of the present invention is worn, the central region 62 ofthe element 20 shown in FIG. 12 extends from about the line 81 which isdisposed beneath the wearer's anterior commissure to about the line 82which is disposed beneath the wearer's posterior commissure. Thedistance between the lines 81 and 82 or their relative position on thenapkin 10 can vary depending upon the size of the wearer and thepositioning of the napkin 10. The portion of the element 20 extendingforward from about the line 81 to the front end edge 32 is the frontregion 61. The portion of the element 20 extending backward from aboutthe line 82 to the back end edge 32 is the back region 63. Note thatwhen underpants are worn, the front region 61 and the back region 63shown in FIG. 13 may be forced to curve upwards (not shown).

When the preferred embodiment of the napkin 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through5, is subjected to lateral compressive forces 100 when worn, the centralregion 62 of the element 20 can assume a number of differentcross-sections ranging from its at-rest configuration shown bycross-section in FIG. 9 to the in-use configuration shown bycross-section in FIG. 16. As seen in FIG. 16, when the preferredsanitary napkin 10 is subjected to lateral compressive forces 100 whenworn, the element 20 assumes a generally "W" shaped cross-section in thecentral region 62. As seen in FIG. 16, the walls 72 have assumed asubstantially vertical position. The element side edges 31 remainadjacent to the walls 72, but are now displaced to a position above thewalls 72 and into the uppermost part of the wearer's legs at the crotchwhere there is minimum movement and the least cause for irritation. Thebases 74 of the walls 72 are adjacent to the thigh hinges 23B. The thighhinges 23B are provided to allow the walls 72 to bend about the thighhinges 23B, thereby assuming a substantially vertical position. Valleys67 are formed above and around where the bases 74 of the walls 72 meetthe thigh hinges 23B. The valleys 67 are particularly useful indiffusing exudates lengthwise to better utilize the total absorbentcapacity of the napkin 10. From the thigh hinges 23B to the protuberancehinges 23C the element 20 slopes inwards and downwards. Between theprotuberance hinges 23C, the body facing surface 16 of the element 20has a convex upward configuration, and more particularly a generallyinverted "U" shaped configuration. In addition, in the preferredembodiment shown in FIG. 16, the element 20, and particularly theprotuberance 71 has a generally inverted "U" shaped cross-section. Inthe preferred embodiment, the convex upward configuration is generallysymmetrically located between the longitudinal side edges 11, which inthis embodiment are synonymous with the element side edges 31. Thelinear central hinge 23A is generally symmetrically located between theprotuberance hinges 23C, along the longitudinal centerline 90 and alongthe apex of the convex upward configuration.

Before the body facing surface 16 of the element 20 can deform into theshape depicted in FIG. 16, the element's 20 upward movement may beimpeded if the body surface 13 of the napkin 10 makes intimate contactwith the wearer's pudendal region, and more specifically the externalsurfaces of the labia majora. If such occurs, the element 20, andspecifically in a preferred embodiment the protuberance 71, will deform,and more particularly in a preferred embodiment, spread or bulgeoutwards. A comparison of FIGS. 16 and 20 illustrates how in a preferredembodiment the protuberance 71 deforms when the protuberance's 71 upwardmovement is restricted by the external surfaces of the pudendal region.

Referring again to FIG. 12, it is seen that the major portion of thefront region 61 is generally circular when viewed from above the bodyfacing surface 16. The front region 61 remains generally circularbecause it is located beyond the thighs and is, therefore, not directlyaffected by the lateral compressive forces 100 which are exerted by thewearer's thighs. However, the region 61 is indirectly affected by thecompressive forces 100 of the wearer's thighs and, in consequencethereof, assumes some anatomy conforming shapes. Generally, the frontregion 61 of the element 20 has an upwards opening cup shape when thenapkin 10 is worn. This shape is depicted by cross-section in FIG. 17.The curved end edge 32 in the front region 61 along with the flexurehinges 23A, 23B, and 23C facilitate the formation of this cup shape.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the back region 63, like the frontregion 61, also assumes some anatomy conforming cross-sections when thenapkin 10 is worn. However, in order to adapt to the different shapes ofthe anatomy in the buttocks region of the wearer, the cross-sections arevery different from those in the front region 61. In a preferredembodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the back region 63 isconfigured to fit the gluteal groove of a wearer when the napkin 10 isworn. In the back region 63, the body facing surface 16 of the element20 has a convex upward configuration. In the preferred embodiment, theback region 63 of the element 20 has a convex upward cross-section. Thecross-section of the back region 63 best depicting this shape is shownin FIG. 18. As seen in the side view of the element 20 shown in FIG. 13and in the cross-sections shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the central hinge23A, which is at the apex of the convex upward configuration in thecentral region 62, remains at the apex of the convex upwardconfiguration into the back region 63. Since the napkin 10 will in allprobability be worn with an undergarment, such as panties, the upwardforces of the undergarment will preferably cause the back region 63 andthe rearward part of the central region 62 to curve upwards and followthe curve of the buttocks. The body facing surface 16 of the element 20in the back region 63 has a ridge 70 which is configured to fit thegluteal groove of the wearer, when worn. The ridge 70 is generallysymmetrically located between the longitudinal side edges 11 of thenapkin 10 along the longitudinal centerline 90. The ridge 70 fits thegluteal groove of the buttocks to provide stability against sidewardshifting of the napkin 10. Because the depth of the gluteal groovevaries as it moves from the anus towards the wearer's back, the backregion 63 of the element 20 is designed so that it flattens out somewhatand the ridge 70 becomes less pronounced as the ridge 70 nears the endedge 12 of the back region 63. This change in formation is evidence by acomparison of FIG. 18, which is a cross-section through the back region63, with FIG. 19, which is also a cross-section through the back region63 but which is located more towards the end edge 12 of the back region63.

Basically, without intending to limit the scope of the sanitary napkin10 and particularly the deformation element 20 of the present inventionas shown in FIGS. 1 through 13 and 16 through 20, the present inventionis intended to function and provide the benefits as follows. Thefollowing is a description of only one means of progressive deformationof the napkin 10 and it should be recognized that other means areavailable. The napkin 10 is placed in the wearer's panties or directlyadjacent to the wearer's crotch area so that the body surface 13 of thenapkin 10 is facing and generally adjacent to the pudendal region. Whenthe wearer brings her thighs together, compressive forces 100 areexerted on the longitudinal side edges 11, which in the preferredembodiment described and shown are synonymous with the element sideedges 31, causing the element side edges 31 in the central region 62 tobe forced inwards. This inward movement of the element side edges 31consequently causes the walls 72 to bend about the thigh hinges 23B andthereby assume a substantially vertical position. As the napkin 10 isfurther compressed, the now substantially vertically standing walls 72are displaced inwards towards the longitudinal axis 90. As the walls 72are displaced inwards, the thigh hinges 23B, which are now at the base74 of the walls 72, are also displaced inwards. Because the protuberance71 is above the thigh hinges 23B, the thigh hinges 23B move beneath theprotuberance 71, causing the protuberance 71 to flex while bending aboutthe protuberance hinges 23C and the central hinge 23A. Thus, as seen inFIG. 16, the body facing surface 16 of the element 20, and particularlythat portion of the body facing surface 16 which is superimposed overthe protuberance 71, has a convex upward configuration, and morespecifically, an inverted "U" shaped configuration. In addition, thatportion of the body facing surface 16 having a convex upwardconfiguration, in conjunction with the pudendal facing surface 73 of thewalls 72, present a generally "W" shaped configuration. However, asmentioned previously, before the element 20 can assume the shape shownin FIG. 16, the body surface 13 of the napkin 10 may make intimatecontact with the external surfaces of the pudendal region, therebycausing the element 20 and particularly the protuberance 71 to bulgeoutwards as shown in FIG. 20. Because the element 20 isflexure-resistant, the element 20 and particularly the protuberance 71provides an outwardly directed biasing force against the downwardlydistributed forces 500 of the wearer's pudendal region. Preferably, thisbiasing force creates a pressure promoted seal between the externalsurfaces of the labia majora and the body surface 13 of the napkin 10.Generally, enough lateral compressive forces 100 are provided by thewearer's thighs to put the body surface 13 of the napkin 10 in intimatecontact with the external surfaces of the pudendal region, therebycausing the protuberance 71 of the element 20 to spread or bulge andcreate a biasing force which thereby seals the body surface 13 of thenapkin 10 against the labia majora.

As the central region 62 is deforming, the front region 61 issimultaneously deforming into an upwards opening cup shape. The cupshaped front region 61 serves important functions. First, many women areconcerned with the unobtrusiveness of their sanitary napkins when theyare standing or laying on their backs since these are the positions whentheir forward groin area is most openly exposed. Coincidentally, theseare also positions in which the wearer's thighs are exerting lateralcompressive forces 100 on the napkin 10 and, in response thereto, thefront region 61 of the element 20 is curving upwards. Therefore, ratherthan trying to remain flat and resist the forces of undergarments, thenapkin 10 of the present invention is already curving upwards around thewearer's mons pubis and therefore cooperates with the forces of theundergarments so as to remain as unobtrusive as possible. Second, whenan absorbent means 39 is placed in the front region 61 of the element 20in such a way that the absorbent means 39 takes on the upwardcupped-shape of the front region 61, certain other benefits arerealized. For instance, it is likely that unabsorbed exudates will flowacross the topsheet 45 and gravitate down along the convex upwardsconfiguration to the front region 61. The cup-like shape of the frontregion 61, which preferably has its edge surface 12 in sealingengagement with the wearer's skin surfaces due to the upward pressure ofthe wearer's undergarments, provides an excellent retention area for theexudates until they can be absorbed by the absorbent means 39 or untilthe napkin 10 is discarded. In addition, the front region 61 may funnelthe exudates back towards the valleys 67 in the central region 62, whichis an area even less likely to cause soiling due to the protectionprovided by the vertically standing walls 72. Second, when a woman islying on her stomach, menses may flow out of the vaginal orifice andalong the surfaces of the labia minora where it may drip or continue toflow onto the mons pubis. The cup shape of the front region 61 forms areceiver which is ideal for catching and containing such drips andflows. Further, because the end edge 12 of the front region 61 ispreferably in sealing engagement with the wearer's skin, any mensesflowing along the skin will contact and be absorbed by, or at leastcontained by, the end edge 12 before it can leak beyond the end edge 12of the napkin 10 and soil undergarments or linens.

While the central region 62 and the front region 61 are deforming,preferably the back region 63 is simultaneously deforming into someanatomy conforming configurations when the napkin 10 is worn, as shownin FIGS. 18 and 19. As the lateral compressive forces 100 of the thighspress inward against the walls 72 of the element 20, the back region 63begins to bend downwards about the central hinge 23A, thereby assuming aconvex upward configuration which is configured to fit between thebuttocks of the wearer and in the gluteal groove. The forces of thebuttocks on the napkin 10 on each side of the central hinge 23A, furtherfacilitate the development of this convex upward configuration. Alongthe apex of the convex upward configuration of the element 20 runs aridge 70 which is configured to fit the gluteal groove of the wearer.The ridge 70 provides stability against sideward shifting of the napkin10. The ridge 70 also serves another important function. When a womanlies on her back, as when sleeping, some of the menses may not bedeposited directly from the vaginal orifice onto the napkin 10. Instead,the menses may gravitate towards the posterior commissure of thevestibule, following these skin surfaces into the perineal groove,across and around the anus, and into the gluteal groove and thesurrounding surfaces of the buttocks where it can soil undergarments andother linens. However, the element 20 of the present invention, andespecially the back region 63, is designed such that the ridge 70, or anabsorbent means 39 which might be superimposed over the ridge 70, willpreferably be within the gluteal groove, preferably in contact with thewearer's skin surfaces so that any menses flowing along these skinsurfaces will contact the ridge 70, or an absorbent means 39 which issuperimposed over the ridge 70, and be absorbed into it before coming incontact with undergarments or other linens.

The self-conforming characteristics of the sanitary napkin 10 of thepresent invention render unnecessary a requirement for independentattaching means for the napkin 10 for some wearers and for someembodiments. The slight biasing force provided by the wearer'sundergarments coupled with the outwards biasing force of the element 20against the wearer's thighs will establish a sufficient means formaintaining the sanitary napkin 10 in the desired position. Ideally,attachment directly to the undergarment or body is not required,recognizing that such attachment may under some circumstances overridethe more preferred direct association of the napkin 10 solely with thewearer's body; the wearer then facing the possibility that movement ofthe undergarment relative to the pudendum will translate into somemotion within the napkin 10 itself. However, there may be situationswhere it is desirable to provide some ancillary attaching means.Accordingly, there may optionally be provided an adhesive member forsecuring the napkin 10 to the undergarments of the wearer. This adhesivemember is most preferably a conventional pressure sensitive adhesivebearing a release paper which may be removed to expose the adhesive forpurposes of attachment to an undergarment. In this manner, the wearermay exercise the option of attaching the napkin 10 or not as a matter ofindividual preference. It is noteworthy that even in those instanceswhere the option to secure the napkin 10 to the undergarment is elected,a comparatively small amount of adhesive in a few locations or zones ismost preferably provided as opposed to more conventional longitudinal,multiple strips or the like. Because the napkin 10 of the presentinvention assumes a number of cross-sections along its longitudinallength which are very different from the original configuration of thenapkin 10, it is advantageous when determining where to place adhesiveto find points on the garment surface 14 of the napkin 10 which retaintheir relative position with respect to the wearer's undergarment, whenworn. Preferred locations for attachment of adhesive for the napkin 10shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 are on the bottom surface 17 of the element20 along a short central length of the thigh hinges 23B and/or an ovalpatch across the ends of the central hinge 23A near each of the ends 32of the napkin 10. This approach provides a generally acceptablecompromise for those who wish the security of attachment of the napkin10 to the undergarment while those points of attachment are selected asthe least influential relative to the potential contribution to rubbingor chafing occasioned by relative motion between the undergarment (andattached napkin) and the wearer's pudendum.

A number of alternative embodiments of the napkin 10, and morespecifically the element 20 and the flexure means 23, are contemplatedwithin the foregoing description. For example, in an alternativelypreferred embodiment of the present invention, the deformation element20 is reformable. As used herein, the term "reformable" refers to theability of an element to return substantially to a configuration theelement held prior to the influence of certain external forces. Theelement may reform because of the influence of other external forcesand/or because of the physical properties of the material of which theelement is comprised.

In another alternatively preferred embodiment of the present invention,the deformation element 20 is resilient. As used herein, the term"resilient" refers to an element which after the removal of externalforces will return substantially to a configuration the element heldprior to the influence of external forces, solely because of thephysical properties of the material of which the element is comprised.An example will help clarify and differentiate the terms "reformable"and "resilient." Imagine a flat, rectangular shaped object. Now imaginethat the object is squeezed from the sides so that its sides aredisplaced inwards towards each other and its middle bulges up. Nowimagine that the squeezing forces are relieved. If the object returnssubstantially to its original flat, rectangular shape, then the objectis resilient. If the object returns substantially to its original flat,rectangular shape only after the influence of some other external force,such as by pressing down on the bulge, then the object is reformable,but not resilient. Thus, a resilient element is necessarily reformablebut a reformable element may not be resilient. When a preferredembodiment of the sanitary napkin 10 of the present invention is worn,the external forces which render the deformation element 20 reformableare the lateral compressive forces 100 of the wearer's thighs, thedownwardly distributed forces 500 of the wearer's pudendum, the forcesof the wearer's panties and possibly other external forces which actupon the napkin 10 from, for example, a chair or bed when the wearersits or lays. As mentioned earlier, in preferred embodiments of thenapkin 10, the absorbent means 39, and specifically the absorbent core40 and the topsheet 45, flex generally in cooperation with thedeformation element 20. Thus, when the thighs of a wearer apply lateralcompressive forces 100 to the deformation element 20 causing it to bendand flex in the regions 61, 62 and 63 as previously described, theabsorbent means 39 generally mimics such deformations. As the lateralcompressive forces 100 are lessened or relieved, such as when thewearer's thighs are spread, the reformable or resilient nature of thedeformation element 20 is realized and the deformation element 20 beginsto reform substantially to the shape the element 20 had prior to theinfluence of the external lateral compressive forces 100. Likewise, incooperation with the reformation of the element 20, the absorbent means39 preferably reforms to the shape the absorbent means 39 had prior tothe influence of external forces. In preferred embodiments, as thewearer moves while walking, crossing her legs, squatting, etc., externalforces which are being exerted on and relieved from the napkin 10 causethe napkin 10 as a whole, and the deformation element 20 and theabsorbent means 39 individually, to go through a multitude ofdeformations and reformations.

In another alternatively preferred embodiment of the element 20 (notshown), the body facing surface 16 of the element 20 does not have apreformed convex upward configuration like the preferred element 20described earlier and illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8, but instead isplanar across its width or has a concave downward configuration. In suchembodiments, the body facing surface 16 must assume a convex upwardconfiguration after the application of lateral compressive forces 100 tothe longitudinal side edges 11 of the napkin 10 by the wearer's thighs.

Another alternative embodiment of the sanitary napkin 10 of the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, thedeformation element 20 is disposed between a liquid pervious topsheet 45and an absorbent core 40. A liquid impervious barrier sheet 55, as iswell known in the art, is provided adjacent to the second major surface44 of the absorbent core 40 so as to prevent the exudates absorbed andcontained in the absorbent core 40 from soiling articles such asbedsheets and undergarments which contact the napkin 10. The barriersheet 55 extends slightly beyond the core end edges 42 and is foldedabout halfway up the core side edges 41 to prevent leakage. Theabsorbent core 40 is superimposed onto an adhesive which is applied tothe inner surface of the barrier sheet 55 and which is intended to holdthe barrier sheet 55 in place on the absorbent core 40. In thisembodiment, the topsheet 45 extends around the side edges 41 of theabsorbent core 40 and over the barrier sheet 55 where it overlaps itselfon the garment surface 14 of the napkin 10 so as to completely envelopethe element 20, the absorbent core 40, and the barrier sheet 55, therebyforming what is commonly known as a "tubular napkin". The overlappingportions of the topsheet 45 are adhered to each other along the garmentsurface 14 of the napkin 10 and the end edges of the topsheet 45 and thebarrier sheet 55 are heat-sealed to each other to form the end edges 12of the napkin 10.

In this embodiment, the element 20 comprises wood pulp fibers which havebeen compressed into a semi-rigid paper-board-like sheet and suitablybonded so as to be moisture stable. Alternatively, the element 20 couldbe comprised of many of the materials previously described. Because thiselement 20 has a greater flexure-resistance than the element 20previously described and because it is smaller and has fewer flexuremeans 23, and particularly fewer flexure hinges, than the element 20previously described, it is somewhat less body conforming than theprevious element 20. The flexure means 23 is a longitudinal flexurehinge which, in this embodiment, is simply a longitudinal set 23E to theelement 20 (i.e., a preferential fold or crease, scoring, embossing orindenting) along the longitudinal axis 90, which tends to pitch theelement 20 upwardly along the fold, thus causing the element 20 toassume a somewhat flattened, inverted "V" shaped cross-section having aridge 70, as shown in FIG. 22. The element 20 is placed in the napkin 10in this configuration so that when the napkin 10 is worn, the element 20will fold in a controlled and predetermined manner such that the bodyfacing surface 16 of the element 20 will have a convex upwardconfiguration. The lateral compressive forces 100 of the wearer's thighsmay be applied to the element side edges 31 directly or they may beapplied indirectly by transmission of the forces 100 from thelongitudinal side edges 11 of the napkin 10 through other members of thenapkin 10. When worn, the lateral compressive forces 100 of the thighscause the element 20 to assume a more defined, inverted "V" shapedcross-section. In the preferred embodiment, the element 20 has agenerally hourglass shape. While other shapes such as rectangular,square, oval, and others are effective and acceptable, it is believedthat the hourglass shape offers unique benefits, when worn, in that theinwardly curved middle portion will accommodate the wearer's thighswhile the wider end portions, which resultingly have a greater surfacearea for acquisition of menses and a greater cross-sectional absorptivecapacity than the thinner middle portion, are positioned so that whenworn the forward end portion will be aligned with and be beneath thevaginal orifice. In the preferred embodiment, the element 20 has athickness of about 2.0 millimeters, a length along the longitudinal axis90 of about 19.0 centimeters, a width across the ends of about 6.5centimeters and a width across the lateral axis 80 of about 4.0centimeters.

Another alternatively preferred embodiment of an element 20 is shown inFIG. 23. As with the element 20 shown in FIGS. 6 through 8, this element20 is preferably comprised of a foam material and is flexure-resistant,reformable and resilient. The element 20 in its at rest configurationhas a convex upward configuration. The flexure means 23 of the element20 is inherent in the element 20 simply due to its preformed arcuateshape. Thus, when lateral compressive forces 100 are applied to theelement side edges 31, the element 20 simply maintains a convex upwardconfiguration as it flexes. As previously described, the element 20 ispreferably overlayed by an absorbent core 40 and a topsheet 45, whichare superimposed on the element 20.

Another alternatively preferred embodiment of a deformation element 20of the present invention is shown in FIG. 24. The deformation element20, as shown, is comprised of a foam as previously described. Thedeformation element 20 has a pre-formed inverted "U" shape in thecentral region 62 and a pre-formed upward conical shape in the frontregion 61. In this embodiment, the flexure means 23 is a longitudinallyextending linear central hinge 23A having a generally inverted "U"shaped cross-section. The element 20 acts much like the element 20 shownin FIGS. 6 through 8 under lateral compressive forces 100, the maindifferences being that the element 20 in this alternatively preferredembodiment has a greater degree of pre-formed shape and also, thiselement 20 is not symmetrical in the longitudinal direction and would,therefore, have to be consciously positioned on the wearer so that itwas aligned in the proper direction. Further, this element 20 is notintended to be a liquid impermeable backing member for the napkin 10.Instead, the element 20 has an hourglass shaped absorbent core 40 placedon its body facing surface 16 and a liquid impervious barrier sheet 55covering its bottom surface 17 and extending beyond its side edges 31and end edges 32 (not shown). The absorbent core 40 is covered by aliquid pervious topsheet 45 which extends beyond the edges of theabsorbent core 40 and the element 20 where it is affixed to the barriersheet 55 (not shown).

In still another alternative embodiment of the present invention (notshown), the deformation element 20 is isolated from contact withmoisture. Thus, such an embodiment might comprise from the body surface13 down a liquid permeable topsheet 45, an absorbent core 40, a liquidimpermeable barrier sheet 55, a deformation element 20, and anotherliquid impermeable barrier sheet 65, the sheets 45, 55 and 65 beingsealed about their peripheries. In such an embodiment, the deformationelement 20 is not susceptible to being wetted when worn and thus, thedeformation element 20 may be comprised of moisture unstable materialssuch as compressed, unbonded fluff pulp.

Yet another alternatively preferred embodiment of a sanitary napkin 10and specifically a deformation element 20 of the present invention isshown in FIG. 25. The napkin 10 comprises a barrier sheet 55, anabsorbent core 40 and a topsheet 45 (not shown). The absorbent core 40is comprised of fluff pulp. In a middle portion 84 of the absorbent core40 the fluff pulp is embossed in a lattice pattern 82 such that thelattice members 86 are highly densified. Further, because the absorbentcore 40 is susceptible to wetting, the fluff pulp is adhesively bondedthroughout the middle portion 84 by a water insoluble adhesive. Thus,the deformation element 20 of the present invention is said to be themiddle portion 84 of the absorbent core 40. The fluff pulp can be bondedor unbonded beyond the middle portion 84. The absorbent core 40 has apreferential set (not shown) on its second major surface 44 along thelongitudinal axis 90 so that the deformation element 20 is inclined tohave a convex upward configuration when the sanitary napkin 10 is worn.The absorbent core 40 is about 20.5 centimeters long, about 13.0centimeters wide, about 1.0 centimeters thick in the unembossed areasand about 0.5 centimeters thick in the embossed areas. The middleembossed portion 84 of the absorbent core 40 is about 10.0 centimeterslong and about 6.3 centimeters wide. The embossed lattice members 86 areabout 3.0 millimeters wide. For illustration, if the Circular BendProcedure were to be performed on this element 20, a likely 37.5 by 37.5millimeter test sample might be that portion of the element 20 enclosedby the square 300, as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 26. Of course, aperson would want to test a number of other portions also but thisportion would seem to be the most flexure-resistant since this portionhas as great a proportion of densified area as any other portion of theelement 20. It should be noted that the test specimens would need to betested using the large diameter test plate since the specimens wouldhave an uncompressed optical caliper greater than 6.35 millimeters.

Still another alternative embodiment of a sanitary napkin 10 of thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. In this embodiment, thesanitary napkin 10 comprises, from the body surface 13 down, a topsheet45, a wipe acquisition sheet 93, a tissue layer 94, an absorbent core40, a barrier sheet 55, and a deformation element 20. As seen in FIG.26, in this embodiment the deformation element 20 is centered in thenapkin 10. Basically, the deformation element 20 of this embodiment isgenerally similar to the midportion of the deformation element 20 shownin FIGS. 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the deformation element 20 isaffixed to the garment facing surface of the barrier sheet 55. However,the deformation element 20 might be disposed in a number of positionsthroughout the laminates of the napkin 10, such as between the absorbentcore 40 and the barrier sheet 55. Beyond the ends 32 of the deformationelement 20, the sanitary napkin 10 is highly flexible. Further, thenapkin 10 has a relatively very thin caliper, especially beyond the ends32 of the element 20. In a preferred embodiment, the topsheet 25 is anapertured formed film, the wipe acquisition sheet 93 is an aperturednonwoven sheet, such as the SONTARA 8407, manufactured by E. I. DuPontNemours & Company of Wilmington, Del., (SONTARA Registered Trademark byE.I. DuPont Demours & Company), the tissue layer 31 is a wet-laid tissuesuch as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,301,746, entitled "Process ForForming Absorbent Paper By Imprinting A Fabric Knuckle Pattern ThereonPrior To Drying And Paper Thereof", which patent issued to Sanford andSisson on Jan. 31, 1967, and the absorbent core 40 is a superabsorbentlaminate such as the WATER-LOCK L-535 available from the GrainProcessing Corporation of Muscatine, Iowa (WATER-LOCK RegisteredTrademark by Grain Processing Corporation).

As seen in FIG. 27, the napkin 10, when subjected to the forces of thewearer's body, when worn, takes on a number of the beneficial shapes ofthe napkins 10 previously described. This embodiment is particularlyuseful for the following reason. The deformation element 20, and theareas of the napkin 10 superimposed over the element 20, take on aconvex upward configuration beneath the vestibule and specificallybeneath the vaginal orifice. Thus, the napkin 10 is able to acquiremenses immediately as it exits the vestibule. In addition, beyond theends 32 of the element 20, the napkin 10 is highly flexible and verythin. Thus, the napkin 10 is extremely comfortable, has a low wearingawareness, and conforms very nicely to the mons pubis and the glutealgroove.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is, therefore,intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An externally worn disposable absorbent articlecomprising:a liquid pervious topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheetjoined with said topsheet; an absorbent element disposed between saidtopsheet and said backsheet; and a moisture stable, flexure-resistantdeformation element having a flexure means for inducing bending of saiddeformation element in a preconceived way into a preconceived convexupward cross section when the absorbent article is subjected to lateralcompressive forces, said flexure means comprising a flexure hingecreating a different bend-resistance across the width of saiddeformation element, said deformation element being joined to andvertically registered with said absorbent element.
 2. The absorbentarticle of claim 1 wherein said flexure hinge comprises a central hingeextending generally longitudinally along said deformation element. 3.The absorbent article of claim 2 wherein said flexure means additionallycomprises a pair of thigh hinges extending generally longitudinallyalong said deformation element.
 4. The absorbent article of claim 3wherein said flexure means additionally comprises a pair of protuberancehinges.
 5. The absorbent article of claim 4 wherein said central hingeis linear, wherein said thigh hinges are each arcuate such that thelongitudinal midpoint of the arc is the greatest distance from the sideedges of said deformation element, and wherein said protuberance hingesare arcuate such that the longitudinal midpoint of the arc is thegreatest distance from the longitudinal axis of said deformationelement.
 6. The absorbent article of claim 5 wherein said central hingeis positioned along the longitudinal axis of said deformation elementand said protuberance hinges are positioned adjacent to saidlongitudinal midpoint of said thigh hinges.
 7. The absorbent article ofclaim 6 wherein said central hinge and said protuberance hinges define aprotuberance which provides pre-formed elevation to said deformationelement.
 8. The absorbent article of claim 7 wherein said central hinge,said protuberance hinges, and said thigh hinges each comprise ageometric discontinuity in said deformation element.
 9. The absorbentarticle of claim 8 wherein said central hinge comprises an inverted "U"shaped cross-section, said thigh hinges comprise a "U" shapedcross-section, and said protuberance hinges comprise an abrupt change inelevation.
 10. The absorbent article of claim 9 wherein said deformationelement comprises a thermomoldable substance and said hinges are eachthermomolded into said deformation element.
 11. The absorbent article ofclaim 10 wherein said thermomoldable substance is selected from thegroup consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester,polybutylene, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, thermobondablecellulose, latex or silicone elastomerics.
 12. The absorbent article ofclaim 1 wherein said deformation element is superimposed on saidabsorbent element such that said deformation element is disposed betweensaid topsheet and said absorbent element.
 13. The absorbent article ofclaim 1 wherein said absorbent element is superimposed on saiddeformation element such that said deformation element is disposedbetween said absorbent element and said barrier layer.
 14. The absorbentarticle of claim 13 wherein said absorbent element and said topsheet areassociated with said deformation element such that said absorbentelement and said topsheet generally flex in cooperation with saiddeformation element.
 15. The absorbent article of claim 14 wherein saiddeformation element has a generally "W"-shaped configuration whenlateral compressive forces are applied to the absorbent article.
 16. Theabsorbent article of claim 1 wherein the absorbent article has a centralregion, a front region being adjacent to and forward of said centralregion, said flexure means being positioned in said central region suchthat said front region is generally cup-shaped when the absorbentarticle is subjected to lateral compressive forces.
 17. The absorbentarticle of claim 16 wherein the absorbent article has a back regionadjacent to and backward of said central region, said back region havinga convex upward configuration and a ridge configured to fit the glutealgroove of the wearer when worn.
 18. The absorbent article of claim 1wherein said flexure hinge comprises a geometric discontinuity in saiddeformation element.
 19. The absorbent article of claim 18 wherein saidgeometric discontinuity is selected from the group consisting of apre-set fold, scoring, an indentation, a perforation, or an abruptchange in elevation.
 20. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein saidflexure hinge comprises a change in material properties of saiddeformation element.
 21. The absorbent article of claim 20 wherein saidchange in material property is provided by localized compaction of saiddeformation element, by the combination of different materials, or bymaterials having different flexure-resistances.
 22. The absorbentarticle of claim 1 wherein said deformation element is reformable. 23.The absorbent article of claim 22 wherein said deformation element isresilient.
 24. The absorbent article of claim 6 wherein said deformationelement has a modified ASTM D4032-82 flexure-resistance of at leastabout 100.0 grams.
 25. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein saiddeformation element has a modified ASTM D4032-82 flexure resistance ofat least about 100 grams.
 26. The absorbent article of claim 1 whereinsaid deformation element has a modified ASTM D4032-82 flexure-resistanceof at least about 200.0 grams.
 27. The absorbent article of claim 1wherein said deformation element has a modified ASTM D4032-82flexure-resistance of at least about 350.0 grams.